Massa not worried of tyre graining repeat

With both eyes already set on this weekend's Bahrain GP, Felipe Massa was still asked about the cause of his tyre issues last week at China. Importantly, the troubled medium tyres will be used at Bahrain as well, but Felipe is unconcerned.

“I had a big problem with graining on the Medium tyres at the last race, already in Friday practice,” the Brazilian confirmed. “As the track got better over the weekend, I found a lot more rear grip and so, in the race, at first I concentrated on saving the front tyres, but then the graining started and that cost me the second stint. In the third stint, I decided to push and that cleaned the graining off the tyres, so maybe it was completely wrong for me to have tried to look after the fronts."

His team mate at Ferrari, Fernando Alonso had nothing to complain, being on the pace throughout the race and moving through the field with ease to win. This, combined with the knowledge that pushing the tyres may help keep the graining away.

"I am not concerned about having the Hard tyres here, because I had no problem with them in Malaysia: there was graining but it was the same for everyone. I think here the time difference will be big between the two tyre types, which means most people will try and use the Medium as much as possible in the race. Therefore, once again, it will be vital to work out a good strategy. In general, I think Pirelli is doing a good job and the races have been entertaining for the fans.”